HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Alabama A&M University officials will discuss plans Thursday to install a new turf at Louis Crews Stadium.

The school has called a 10 a.m. press conference for Thursday to unveil the specific plans for the 21,000 seat facility.

It's expected that the school will install Field Turf -- a popular artificial turf surface that has lower maintenance costs than a grass field and is more durable for heavier use.

Retiring athletic director Betty Austin told the school's board of trustees athletic committee earlier this month that the school was interested in purchasing Field Turf. Austin said at the time that the artificial surface would allow Alabama A&M to host more high school football and soccer games on its campus.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Huntsville City Schools Superintendent Casey Wardynski are expected to attend the press conference, according to Alabama A&M.